New flexible study routes to support the next generation of healthcare educators

Health professionals interested in developing their education knowledge and skills can now choose to study an accelerated PGCert in Health Professions Education or standalone Continuing Professional Development (CPD) modules thanks to Hull York Medical School. 

Designed for busy healthcare professionals who are passionate about teaching practice and educational research,looking to lead and inspire in their areas of practice, the new modes of study provide greater flexibility for those looking to manage study alongside their work and personal commitments.  

The Medical School has a longstanding reputation as one of the UKs leading providers for medical education, and for supporting healthcare professionals to become effective educators, innovators and leaders in their field. 

Flexible pathways for healthcare educators 

The accelerated PGCert in Health Professions Education has been developed to enable healthcare professionals to achieve a postgraduate qualification in 6 months rather than 12 months while maintaining their professional commitments. The programme is accredited by Advance HE and Academy of Medical Educators (AoME) in recognition of the excellent standards of teaching, assessment, research and scholarship. 

Healthcare professionals now also have the option to access individual CPD modules in Health Professions Education, allowing them to study specific areas of interest and gain academic credits which can then be used towards a full qualification within an agreed timescale.  

The modules have been designed to meet the needs of a diverse health professions workforce, including doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, pharmacists, dentists and other healthcare practitioners involved in teaching and training. 

Under the expert guidance of clinical and non-clinical academic staff from the School’s Health Professions Education Unit, participants will explore key areas such as impactful teaching practice, educational theory and research, assessment and feedback, clinical reasoning, contemporary issues in education, educational leadership, reflective practice and creating inclusive learning environments. Students will learn through evidence-based learning and practical application. 

Supporting the educators of today and tomorrow 

Dr Amaya Ellawala, Programme Director for the PGCert in Health Professions Education and Lecturer in Medical Education, said:  

‘Outstanding healthcare depends on outstanding education. Whether supporting students in clinical settings, leading training programmes or driving innovation in healthcare education, educators play a vital role in shaping the future workforce. 

‘Our new accelerated PGCert route and flexible CPD modules have been designed to support healthcare professionals at different stages of their educational journey. They offer the opportunity to develop knowledge, skills and confidence as educators while fitting around the demands of professional practice.’ 

The new study routes reflect Hull York Medical School’s commitment to providing accessible, high-quality education that responds to the evolving needs of healthcare providers and the professionals working within them.  

Investing in the future of healthcare education 

As healthcare continues to evolve, the need for skilled educators who can support workforce development, champion best practice and lead educational innovation has never been greater.  

The launch of the accelerated PGCert and CPD modules in Health Professions Education demonstrates Hull York Medical School’s commitment to developing the next generation of healthcare educators and supporting them to inspire and lead in their area of practice. 

Applications for the accelerated PGCert in Health Professions Education and CPD modules are now open for September 2026 and January 2027 entry. 

Following this positive change and ongoing to commitment to providing excellent education, Dr Amelia Kehoe, Programme Director of the MSc in Health Professions Education, is also in the process of developing some new research approaches short courses, that plan to be rolled out next year. 

Find out more about the PGCert/PGDip/MSc in Health Professions Education and Continuing Professional Development modules.